The Blog

KCDC Procurement Director Terry McKee earns national recognition

Terry McKee, the procurement director for Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), has been named the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing’s (NIGP) 2017 Manager of the Year.

Terry McKee Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation

The award was presented to McKee at the organization’s annual forum in Salt Lake City, Utah. Formed in 1944, the NIGP develops, supports and promotes public procurement professionals through educational and research programs, technical services and advocacy initiatives. The organization has more than 15,000 members.

McKee knew he was a finalist but was still surprised to hear his name called as the overall winner. He credited the award to KCDC’s leadership and his colleagues at NIGP, East Tennessee Purchasing Association (ETPA) and Tennessee Association of Public Purchasing (TAPP).

“It’s quite humbling that someone nominated me and quite humbling that I was chosen,” said McKee, who has worked at KCDC for 12 years and has nearly 30 years of experience in public procurement. “I think it is a reflection of KCDC, the Board of Commissioners and the executive team. It validates how KCDC wants to do everything in a professional way.”

State and local government funding accounts for $6.3 trillion per year to deliver services to citizens, including roadways, schools, affordable housing, libraries and infrastructure. Public procurement accounts for more than 30 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

“When you have a great person in procurement, sometimes it’s easy to take them for granted,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley told the board at its August meeting. “We’re in a wonderful situation where Terry knows exactly what he’s doing from a state contracting perspective and also from housing authority and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) perspectives. We’re really happy to have him.”

This is the second time McKee has been recognized by NIGP. In 2013, he was honored with the “Spirit of the NIGP” award, which is given to public purchasing professionals who have played a significant role in shaping the organization.

Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing high-quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit https://www.kcdc.org.